Episode 195 How to Plan an Accessible UK Trip: Advice from Laura’s London and Scotland Adventure
In episode 195 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with Laura Dilts, who first appeared in episode #173 to share the highlights of her trip to London and Scotland. This time, we’re going behind the scenes of that same adventure to talk about something that matters deeply to so many of you: how to plan and prepare for a UK trip when you have mobility or health challenges.
Laura travels with a back injury that makes standing for long periods painful, and she approached her trip with impressive thoroughness, researching attractions, trains and transport options more than a year in advance, building in flexibility at every stage, and always having a plan A, B and C. Her story isn’t about limitations. It’s about preparation, self-advocacy, and going on to have an absolutely brilliant time.
We cover how Laura assessed iconic sites like the Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle for accessibility before she travelled, why she found London’s buses far more practical than the Tube, and how the UK’s Passenger Assistance Service made her long train journeys, including a five-and-a-half-hour trip to Scotland in first class, genuinely enjoyable. We also talk honestly about what didn’t go smoothly, including a stressful transfer at Heathrow, and what she’d do differently next time.
Whether you’re travelling with a mobility challenge yourself, planning a trip alongside someone who is, or simply want to feel better prepared for any eventuality, there’s so much in this conversation for you.
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Episode 195 – Summary
What you’ll learn in this episode
- Why Laura started planning her accessible UK trip over a year in advance and how she narrowed down her must-do list based on what she could realistically manage
- How to research accessibility at UK attractions using official websites, YouTube, and Facebook groups, and when it’s worth picking up the phone instead
- What Laura discovered about the Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle, including which sections she chose to skip and how staff helped her find accessible routes through both
- Why London’s buses are often more accessible than the Tube, and how the Citymapper app can help you navigate them
- Everything you need to know about the UK’s Passenger Assistance Service, how to book it, what to expect, and why Laura recommends it to anyone travelling by train
- How Laura ended up in a first-class carriage for her journey to Glasgow, and what that experience was like
- The honest truth about airport wheelchair assistance in the UK, what worked well at Edinburgh, and what went wrong during a terminal transfer at Heathrow
- Why hop-on hop-off buses are a brilliant option for accessible sightseeing in cities like Glasgow
- Laura’s practical strategies for managing energy throughout the day: walking and resting in intervals, always budgeting extra for taxis and Ubers, and knowing when to call it
- How to handle medical needs like diabetic supplies at UK attractions and why simply explaining your needs to staff usually makes all the difference
- The importance of having printed backup information, offline maps, and an eSIM for reliable navigation when you’re on the go
- Why good travel insurance matters even more when you have medical or mobility needs, and how a travel agent can help you find the right cover
- Where to find free resources, community support, and expert guidance for planning your accessible UK adventure
Useful Links and Resources
Accessible Travel Planning
- Our comprehensive guide to accessible travel in the UK – Accessible Travel in the UK
- Book a one-to-one UK trip planning consultation with Tracy and Doug
- Join our free UK Travel Planning Facebook group for advice and trip reports
Getting Around London
- Citymapper
- Our guide to getting around London
- Black cabs in London are fully wheelchair accessible and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance
- Listen: Episode #24 – Getting around London: An introduction to the various public transport options
UK Train Travel with Assistance
- UK Passenger Assistance Service
- Doug’s UK train travel ebook
- Anytime tickets allow you to travel on any train on your chosen route on a given day, useful if you need flexibility around energy levels or assistance timing
- Listen: Episode #157: 15 UK Train Travel Mistakes First-Time Travellers Make and How to Avoid Them
Hop-On Hop-Off Buses
- Available in London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and many other UK cities, these are a brilliant option if standing or walking long distances is difficult
Visiting Key Attractions
- Our tips for visiting the Tower of London
- Listen: Episode #142 Exploring the Tower of London: History, Highlights, and Helpful Tips
Travel Insurance
- Always take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers your specific medical needs before travelling to the UK
More Episodes You Might Enjoy
- Episode #173 – UK Trip Report: How Laura Planned a Solo, Accessible Journey at 60
